Colchester MP gets pupils reading at Iceni Academy

Taking place last Friday, youngsters at the school in Shrub End were also treated to a visit from Member of Parliament for Colchester Will Quince, who also serves as one of the ministers for the Department for Education.

The day was aimed at promoting reading whilst improving other skills in the school curriculum.

Curiosity – the day's activities were linked to the explorers and adventurers theme for the term

With one of the main themes for the term being explorers and adventurers, pupils were also able to get creative with fancy dress to embrace their inner Dr Livingstone.

Mr Quince, who had previously been minister for children before stepping down from the role last week, started the day by visiting classes and speaking to pupils about his job in parliament.

Desert island risks – pupils had a challenge involving what they would do if they were stuck on a desert island

He also discussed his favourite books and gave a short presentation on why reading is important.

Pupils then went on to complete activities throughout the day, which included decorating classroom doors in the style of the explorers and adventurers theme.

In conversation – Will Quince has a chat with headteacher John Poulson

Talking about what they thought of the day, pupils said one of their favourite activities included building mini rafts out of lolly sticks.

One pupil, called Harry, said: “We read the Bear Grylls adventure books and got to learn about rivers, volcanoes, glaciers, how to survive if we were trapped on a desert island and global warming issues.”

Reading the room – Colchester MP Will Quince got involved with the pupils for class activities

Another pupil, Kieron, said: “We went on lots of adventures – we had to pretend that we were trying to get across a river.

“We used lolly sticks to build mini rafts.”

Ready for an adventure – pupils enjoyed dressing up for the day

The headteacher at Iceni Academy, John Poulson, said the Get Colchester Reading event created a buzz around the school for both pupils and teachers.

He said: “The day was a great success – there was a real positive atmosphere around the school.

Tip of the iceberg – pupils learnt about global warming throughout the day

“The children were encouraged to dress up as explorers and adventurers, [and] They were all definitely ready to get lost in a world of adventure.”